We recently connected with Christa Quigley and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christa, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
I previously worked in medical office management and had a very lucrative but very stressful job with a fast growing urgent care business. After being promoted to manager of a new office, I began experiencing pressure from upper management that the staff were complaining about my management style. Since I had never experienced this kind of feedback before, I sought out assistance from upper management to help remedy the situation. They gave me some exercises to practice and a few pieces of general advice, but because they said the complaints were all anonymous they would not provide specifics because they didn’t want to identify anyone. I spent months working on my interpersonal relationships while also making sure that the office was efficiently and successfully run. Each quarterly review, I was met with more anonymous complaints and negative feedback. This was an incredibly confusing and stressful time for me because in my opinion, all of the relationships I had with my staff were very positive and supportive. Our site had the best metrics in the company, we celebrated these successes together and I helped to elevate a few of our employees who were seeking promotions, etc. All the while, my upper management were telling me they were anonymously reporting my behavior and attitude were unacceptable. The night before my last quarterly review, I found out that a very dear friend had suddenly and tragically passed away from an asthma attack. When I went in for my review, I was told again that I was not improving and there were more complaints that they could not share specifics on how to improve. They requested my resignation and I gave it willingly. There was no more that I could give. I had put in the work, been through multiple sleepless nights, sought help from my superiors in vain and stressed myself out to the brink of panic attacks and anxiety. If the passing of my friend taught me anything, it’s that life is not promised and I knew I didn’t want to live in that tortured world any longer. I finally had the strength to let go of all of that stress and find a work/life balance that poured into my cup instead of depleted it. It was that resignation that allowed me to find my true passion in floral design. I have owned my own event floral business now for 8 years and have been the happiest and most fulfilled in work that I have ever been.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the Owner + Lead Designer of the wedding and event floral design studio, A Petal To Peddle. Our expertise is in bespoke design and we pride ourselves on creating unique arrangements and installations that speak to the individuality of our client’s personal style and story. I have also developed a passion for sustainability and feel that as a botanical artist, my chosen medium comes from the earth and I have a vested interested in protecting it. Over the last 5-6 years I have developed many processes that reduce waste from landfills and offers my clients a holistic solution to enjoying their luxury floral designs. Some of these include eliminating floral foam from all of our designs, providing a large curated inventory of high quality rental decor items, and my biggest sustainable achievement, the transformation of our botanical waste into renewable energy through the anaerobic process with the help of local compost company, The Green Bucket!
Since founding A Petal To Peddle in 2016, we have had the privilege of providing full design services to hundreds of clients. Last year, we launched our a la carte services, Peddler’s Prix Fixe, which provides gorgeous designer’s choice arrangements for our client’s milestones and celebrations. This service provides luxe designs without the need for our full services, making it easier than ever to order just what they need without paying for what they don’t!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My resourcefulness is one of my greatest skills, both in life and in design. It has allowed me to overcome so many obstacles including poverty, career changes and networking. In design, this skill allows me to come up with mechanical and artistic solutions to creating the most stunning arrangements and installations!
I am also the perpetual optimist. Whenever there’s a challenge I’m facing, whether financially, in design, or in relationships, I know that things will work out. I have always felt that there is such power in the energy that you give someone or something. And even when things don’t work out the way you thought they would, there’s generally something better right around the corner. So instead of getting disappointed, I just look forward to what’s next.
The ability to bring people together has also always been in my wheelhouse. I love gathering folks from different backgrounds for a common goal or cause. Community is so important to me and wherever I am, I always strive to foster a sense of togetherness and support.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
There isn’t just one person who has helped me get to where I am today. My path is one woven with many people along the way that have encouraged me and given me support. It was my Mom who instilled in me a strength to go on no matter how many times you’re knocked down. It was my friends Kim and Todd who, without question, gave me the down payment on my first car, gifting me with both freedom and a sense of generosity that I am always looking for ways to pass on. It was my friend Brett who showed me that it was ok to let others care for you. It was my friend Matt who nurtured a love of art within me and who walked me down the aisle. It was my dear friend Peter who took a chance on me and gave me not just a job but paved the way for me to find floral design. It is my friend Dawn who is the most stylish person I know and also my biggest inspiration when it comes to being a business woman in this world. It is my husband Kevin, who believed in me from day one and continues to support me through this journey. They have all touched my life and influenced me in so many ways and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://apetaltopeddle.com
- Instagram: @apetaltopeddle
Image Credits
@impressenshi @foreverphotographyny @cassiecastellaw @towardsthemoon @sambufalo @levkupermanweddings @offbeetproductions
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
